Nematode Parasites of Red Sokoto Goats (Capra hircus) Slaughtered at Trans-Amadi and Rumuokoro Abattoirs, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Helminths are common parasitic fauna of goats. This study was aimed at identifying and quantifying the gastrointestinal helminth parasites of Red Sokoto goats slaughtered at Trans-Amadi and Rumuokoro abattoirs, Rivers State, Nigeria. Fifty intestinal tracts were examined at each location accounting for a total of 100 samples from both locations. Samples were weighed and dissected; direct microscopy was used to examine samples for adult helminths and test-tube floatation technique was used to examine organic matter from samples for parasite eggs. Nematodes were identified using keys and fixed in 70% alcohol. Prevalence and mean intensity of infection were computed; product moment correlation and Student t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Two nematode parasites were identified- Haemonchus contortus and Trichuris ovis. In Trans Amadi, prevalence and mean intensity of infection were 46.0% and 13 parasites/infected host, respectively for H. contortus, and 54.0% and 11 parasites/infected host for T. ovis. In Rumuokoro, prevalence of 38.0% and 52.0% were computed for H. contortus and T. ovis, respectively, while the mean intensity were 6 and 8 parasites/infected host, respectively for H. contortus and T. ovis. Single infection with Trichuris ovis was higher (30% Trans Amadi; 34% Rumuokoro) than either single infection with H. contortus or double infection with both parasites. There was a significant correlation between the parasite burden and intestinal mass at Trans-Amadi (r₄₈=0.33, P_0.05=0.279), but not at Rumuokoro (r₄₈=0.10, P_0.05=0.279). The total prevalence and prevalence of single and double infection at both locations did not differ significantly (t₃=0.93, p=0.21). Agricultural extension and meat inspection services should be carried out regularly to educate farmers on the symptoms, impacts, treatment and management of helminth parasites.